Super Mini African Violets

ProfSproutMarch 6, 2013

Hi, I'm getting back into african violets and intend to start over with a focus on Micro and Super mini varieties. I understand there isn't an industry standard or AVSA class recognition for either Micro or Super minis but according to various websites Micro minis are typically around 2"-3" ( such as Rob's Twinkle Blue and Rob's Voodoo Blue) and Super minis are 3"-4". Based on this I'd categorize my Optimara Little Crystal as a Super because she naturally stays at 3.5" in a 2.25" pot.

While there are a number of forum threads listing named Micro minis, I haven't been able to locate any lists of Super Minis. Which violets in your collections tend to naturally stay under 4"? I'm not looking to transform a semi or mini into a super or micro, but would really appreciate some names of those minis that habitually remain on the smaller end of the mini spectrum without getting into micro territory.

I do not grow micros - they tend to be very vulnerable - but I remember Rob talking about restricting the size of the minis by keeping then in really small pots and repotting often with trimming the roots. I am thinking that if you start with the regular miniatures and keep the routine - your collection will not grow into rhubarbs. Some of the plants given the designation miniature by hybridizer grow into semis, and semis grow into standards if they have oversize pots. George McDonald plants are like this.

What really drives me nuts - when the miniature violets were hybridized - the species Saintpaulia that gave these mini genes was actually a trailer. So - minis often sucker.

Irina, thanks so much for your input. And the link is very helpful for me... I envision myself gleefully showing the minis who's boss. I don't have a lot of space so micros and supers seem to be the way to go.

But those suckers nearly drove me up the wall the other day when I removed about ten from a newly bought mini. Trailer genes would explain THAT mess!

Rob's minis sucker - at least when they are young. I am thinking that Hortense Pittman's hybrids do not sucker that much - I know that Jolly series are mostly semi-minis, but they are on a small side - that's what I grow - but she has minis as well.

Irina,
I'm glad to hear that Rob's minis might grow out of their sucker tendencies- like how teenagers grow out of their bad habits. I've added Hortense Pittman to my "To Investigate" list. Thank you for your help!

ProfSprout, I was going to try to email you but you don't have it set up to receive emails. I too am a micro mini grower. I grow other minis as well. I would be interested in corresponding and possibly trading with you.